Calling SMEs! First free web-training program for the MENA SMEs.

Potential, a leading UAE-based business development company headquartered in Dubai, today announced the launch of the 'SME Evolution Program', the first free web-training program of its kind which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of thousands of UAE and MENA Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The company's 'SME Evolution Program', developed in partnership with AllWorld, Aramex, Google, Intel and Zawya, helps improve Small and Medium Enterprises' business readiness for international competitiveness

As part of its ongoing support to the SME sector, TECOM Investments, a diversified conglomerate and a member of Dubai Holding, organized the launch of Potential's program which was unveiled in a press conference with the support of the company's five key partners: Google and Intel, two leading global blue-chips with big focus on the region, Aramex and Zawya, two leading SME success stories from the region, and Harvard professor Michael Porter's AllWorld Network which helps advance the growth of companies in emerging markets worldwide. The press conference will be followed by roadshows across the MENA region to launch the country versions of the program through relevant local partnerships, including important SME-focused government initiatives.

The Program, which is one of Potential's interactive business development programs and pioneering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aims to help SMEs improve their business efficiency and readiness to be able to compete internationally, expand their business and create more jobs. Over an initial period of 6 months, the 'SME Evolution Program' will provide a valuable blend of more than 50 free 'webinars' or online interactive training sessions as well as live workshops in collaboration with professors from top international universities.

"SMEs represent the backbone of the region's economies, with employment opportunities in some countries representing up to 85% of GDP," said Shadi Banna, Managing Partner of Potential. "We plan to quickly reach about 500,000 of them in the first 12 months encouraging a large number of SMEs to attend." The webinars, tailored to the size of companies, will enable SMEs to participate in focused practical exercises, templates and tools that they could use in their business, he added.

The SMEs will also be encouraged to participate in the Arabia 500 Competition in partnership with the US-based AllWorld Network. "AllWorld has partnered with Potential on their innovative SME evolution program to set a new benchmark for entrepreneurial development and to drive progress for the region and beyond," said Deirdre M. Coyle Jr., Co-founder of AllWorld Network.

"At the end of the program, the most dedicated participants with the best ideas for sustained growth will be the true success stories that would serve as role models to other SMEs in the region. In addition to gaining more exposure to funding at the end of the program, the top businesses will also get valuable rewards and other free gifts from the main sponsors," Coyle Jr. added.

Wael Ghonim, Head of Marketing, MENA at Google, one of the leading partners of Potential in launching the 'SME Evolution Program", said: "SMEs are a crucial part of the ecosystem in the region. We're excited to be part of this initiative as the Internet enables SMEs to be easily reached by their local and international customers and suppliers."

"Most of the small and medium businesses, especially in emerging markets, don't have the necessary IT infrastructure to operate efficiently," said Nassir Nauthoa, General Manager for the GCC, Intel Corporation. "We at Intel provide training and resources to the system builders who serve that market segment so that more small businesses can manage their computing infrastructure efficiently. The SMB sector is the backbone of our economies and empowering their digital proficiency would not only boost their productivity and efficiency but also impact the economy on a macro level."

Hussein Hachem, Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa at Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, also highlighted the significance of Potential's initiative in moving SMEs business to a further step of development. "Aramex is very pleased to partner with the 'SME Evolution Program,' an important initiative that will help regional small businesses achieve the next stage in their growth. Our support of this initiative reflects the core values and entrepreneurial culture of Aramex, which is committed to leveraging resources, knowledge, expertise and networks to nurture the expansion of SMEs across the region," said Hachem.

"SMEs represent a significant segment of the Middle East's economy," said Gunnar Skoog, CEO, Zawya. "To remain competitive and grow their business, it is crucial that these companies have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive market intelligence, which is what Zawya provides," he added. "Our online information platform serves as a business enabler for all types of regional SME's, including entrepreneurs and start-ups, providing them with innovative tools to promote their business as well as find and connect to potential customers and partners."

Banna concluded by stressing that SMEs will also be able to network with thousands of their peers throughout the Middle East where they could get support from each other and from other mentors who would be assigned to the program to answer questions and inquiries.

SMEs are invited to register for the free webinars on the following website:

www.potential.com/sme-registration

2011 CPI Financial. All rights reserved.

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